ZRP Releases Names of Zimbabwean Victims in Sout...

ZRP Releases Names of Zimbabwean Victims in South African Mine Disaster

Zim Now Reporter

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has released the names of 20 Zimbabwean nationals who died in a recent mine disaster during South Africa’s Operation Vala Umgodi, an ongoing crackdown on illegal mining.

The names were made public following a formal request from South African authorities through Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, seeking help in identifying the victims and locating their families.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing to relatives and friends of the victims to contact the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631, via WhatsApp on 0712 800197, or report at any nearest police station,” said ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

The deceased have been identified as:
Bothwell Mlambo, Bobo Sithole, Gladman Mlambo, Blessing Mlambo, Shepherd (surname unknown), Kenisa Majoni, Benard Mamombe, Trust Makitisa, Jairosi Pasa, Moses Chidumba, Thomas Chipanza, Jack Mlambo Maeza, Edzai Mlambo Maeza, Make Mlambo, Pindirai Dumbarimwe, Tendai Mubaiba, Mebishengs Mutubuki, Tinashe Shangure, Tafadzwa Ndlovu, and Justice Mwapinda.

Efforts to trace next of kin are still ongoing. Some relatives have been identified, including Maggie Dziva, Shadhi Maji, Meshack Ziyaduma, Lazarus Ziyaduma, Simon Maronga, Enes Mahachi, Kenas Pasi, Joseph Mlambo, and Kenas Mlambo.

Commissioner Nyathi said the ZRP is working in close coordination with South African authorities and Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the remains are repatriated and buried with dignity.

“We urge members of the public with information that may assist in identifying the deceased or locating their families to come forward as soon as possible,” he added.